Frequently Asked Questions about Chiropractic Care

What is chiropractic?
What conditions do chiropractors treat?
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
How does chiropractic work?
Is chiropractic care on-going?
Can children receive chiropractic care?
Does chiropractic require a referral?
Is chiropractic safe?
Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?

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1. What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic helps people who are having problems with muscles, nerves and joints, like neck and back pain, arthritis, sciatica and carpal tunnel. These problems also affect general health. Chiropractic has helped many people with matters of health and disease. It focuses on the natural healing power of the body.

2. What conditions do chiropractors treat?

Chiropractic care is most often used to treat back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.  Chiropractic has helped many people with carpal tunnel, arthritis, colic and much more.  We would be happy to schedule a complimentary consultation to help you learn more.

You may want to browse the American Chiropractic Association’s website for more information at American Chiropractic Today.

3. What is a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is the way that we help you move from feeling pain or sick to feeling better. It affects your bones, joints, muscles, nerves and nervous system. People report feeling more calm and relaxed after an adjustment, as well as noticing a significant decrease in their symptoms. The chiropractic adjustment is adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient so they can reach their
goals.

4. How does chiropractic work?

Chiropractic is based on the understanding that the body is self-healing and controlled by the nervous system, your brain and spinal cord. Your nervous system is complex and facilitates millions of instructions that flow from your brain, down the spinal cord, and out to every organ and tissue. Misalignments of the spine (vertebrae out of position), or improper motion of the joints can interfere with this exchange by irritating nerves and compromising the function of affected organs and tissues. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve mind/body communications. With restored functioning of the joints, you move better and your nervous system regains its innate control of the body.

5. Is chiropractic care on-going?

The hands-on nature of chiropractic care is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor a number of times. To be treated by a chiropractor, a patient needs to be in his or her office. A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary. Often 6-8 adjustments for acute pain is all that is needed.

Dr. Jahnke will consider numerous healing factors including the extent of injury, your health, age, and many more. She will then discuss with you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last.

6. Can children receive chiropractic care?

Yes, children benefit from chiropractic care. Children have many little "Oops" moments which can affect their growing bodies. Other common reasons parents bring their children to us are colic, earaches, bedwetting, scoliosis and ADD. Dr. Jahnke has completed additional training to work with children and enjoys helping families. Check out the great information on the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association website.

7. Does chiropractic require a referral?

No, a patient does not need referral before visiting a doctor of chiropractic. Following a consultation and examination, Dr. Jahnke will arrive at a diagnosis under chiropractic care, or refer the patient to the appropriate health care provider.

Though not required, we do get referrals from other health care professionals, including MDs and OB/GYNs who know their patients can benefit from chiropractic care.

8. Is chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.

Compare the statistics, adjustments are safer than NSAIDs, common pain relievers.  (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8583176 & http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16086703)

9. Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?

Yes. Your chiropractor knows how to work with patients after surgery, and when to avoid certain areas of the body.

10. Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?

Of course. When developing your care plan, Dr. Jahnke considers the unique circumstances of each person. The treatment approach will be best suited to your age, size and health.

Healing Starts Here.